Intrathecal synthesis of immunoglobulins in Neisseria meningitidis and echovirus 6 meningoencephalitis.

Infectious diseases of the central nervous system (CNS) constitute the main cause of death amidst the neurological diseases in pediatric patients in Cuba. This factor, among others, made us study the immune response in children with such disorders. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and serum samples were collected from 69 patients: 26 with Neisseria meningitidis meningoencephalitis, and 43 with echovirus 6. IgA, IgM, IgG, and albumin were measured by immunodiffusion in serum and CSF. Local synthesis of immunoglobulins was calculated using Reiber's formula. The detection of intrathecal synthesis of IgG represents an important event in the majority of cases. Detection depends on the acuity of the process, the nature of the biologic agent and its virulence, and the immunological status of the patient. Local IgG synthesis is a very frequent finding in Neisseria meningoencephalitis and echovirus 6 meningoencephalitis. Intrathecally synthesized IgA in patients suffering from N. meningitidis meningoencephalitis is an important indication.